Ian Abercrombie began his theatrical career as a lad during the Blitz in World War II. After his footwork years during which he earned Bronze, Silver and Gold medals in dance for the stage, he performed in London, Holland, Ireland and Scotland. He made his American stage debut in 1955 in a production of "Stalag 17" with 'Jason Robards' . He also received acclaim for the one-man show "Jean Cocteau - A Mirror Image". Recently a highlight was playing Alfie Doolittle in "My Fair Lady". Ian is also in great demand for voice-work on radio, CD-ROMS, films and commercials.
Cousin of John Abercrombie, Jazz Guitarist, ECM Recording Star.
Serves on the Board of Directors of BAFTA-LA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) and on the Western Board of The Actors Fund of America.
Stepped in for an ailing Whoopi Goldberg , at the last minute, as emcee/host for the 2001 BAFTA/LA Britannia Awards honoring Steven Spielberg. The award was presented by H.R.H. Prince Andrew , Duke of York.
Shared two roles with Clive Revill. Revill was the voice of "Alfred Pennyworth" in early episodes of "Batman: The Animated Series" , a role Abercrombie played in "Birds of Prey" . Revill was also the first actor to play "Palpatine", in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back . Abercrombie voiced the character in the animated, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" series.
His character Professor Crumbs from "Wizards of Waverly Place" was a reference to Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter film series. Richard Harris who played Dumbledore in two first parts of Harry Potter film series died 9 days before "Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets" premiered; Abercrombie died 19 days after the last episode of Wizards of Waverly Place aired.
